Sir Patrick Steward stepping down as Chancellor of Huddersfield University

Sir Patrick Stewart. Picture by Dean Smith/Guzelian

Published:10:31Friday 27 March 2015

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Hollywood actor Sir Patrick Stewart is to step down as Chancellor of the University of Huddersfield.

Sir Patrick – who is celebrated for his classic stage performances as well as TV and film roles, including Captain Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation – will relinquish the role after over 10 years.

Sir Patrick said: “I am extremely proud of the University of Huddersfield and all it has achieved. Although I am standing down from my role as Chancellor you can be sure I will still be taking every opportunity to talk about the University and I look forward to continuing to meet Huddersfield graduates around the world.”

Sir Patrick’s links with the University will continue, as he will become Emeritus Chancellor.

The Vice-Chancellor of Huddersfield University, Professor Bob Cryan, said: “Naturally, we are very sorry that Sir Patrick has decided to call it a day. But we feel proud and privileged to have had him as our Chancellor for so many years. I think he must have been the most prominent and most admired chancellor in the whole UK university sector. He was always determined to be much more than a figurehead and he made a real contribution to the progress of the University of Huddersfield.

“He has a strong sense of social justice and he is just as passionate as I am about ensuring that young people fulfil their potential, no matter what their background. That is why he has been such a good fit with the University of Huddersfield – that and the fact that he is a dedicated Huddersfield Town fan!”

It is expected that Sir Patrick will step down as Chancellor after this summer’s graduation ceremonies, but as yet there is no news of a successor.